German internet trolls wrote Hamas bomb threats

A small group of German internet trolls is probably responsible for the German evacuations of schools and police deployment with sniffer dogs. In recent days, schools across Germany, as well as other public facilities such as airports or town halls, had to be evacuated after reports of attacks were received. E-mails often linked them to the Gaza war. But for most threats, at least no such threats exist.

The German Federal Ministry of the Interior had already stated this explicitly: it was not yet possible to adequately assess “whether these could be free riders who call themselves Hamas to increase the effectiveness of their threats.” This is also supported by the fact that there have been bomb threats from suspected Israeli extremists in Hebrew.

There were no central studies

As researchers’ television magazines ‘Kontraste’ and ‘Der Spiegel’ report, the Berlin police considers the letters in cases it is investigating as an act of free rider. In the individual states, the police independently investigate the series of attack threats; apparently there is no central research yet.

The biggest clue to the alleged perpetrators was apparently provided by a hacktivist who went by the pseudonym “N3ll4.” According to her, she provided the police with communications from the inner circle of the group and was interviewed for hours by specialists from two state criminal investigation agencies. T-online initially received no confirmation from the police on Friday evening. The group apparently already noticed “N3ll4” during previous research.

Group discussed attacks on hospitals

In communications available on t-online, an alleged member of the group reports that the emails attracted less public attention when they were presented as alleged threats from Israeli extremists. A native speaker was specifically sought for the text. Shortly after 6:00 PM on October 21, several Palestinian and pro-Palestinian institutions were contacted with threats of attacks. It wasn’t until Hamas sent threatening emails that people really started to take notice.

Apparently there has also been discussion about whether schools alone attract enough attention and whether other ‘goals’ should be included. The communication shows that the group’s primary goal is to attract attention with the campaign. Those allegedly involved do not appear to have any particular political motives. The suggestion to attack hospitals was rejected as it could cost lives.

If the charges are confirmed, those involved could face a prison sentence of up to three years if their emails containing hoax bomb threats are deemed “disturbing the public peace by threatening to commit crimes.”

Used sources: